Although concrete seems to be impenetrable, it is, in reality, sensitive to a wide range of environmental conditions. The porous nature of concrete is often overlooked. In the same way, that water may seep into a porous surface, stains, mold, and other environmental threats can damage your concrete.
Water may penetrate your concrete at any time. Moisture might loosen your vinyl tiles or destroy your carpet on these porous surfaces.
What causes water to seep into my concrete, and how can I prevent it?
Concrete may be wetted from the top or bottom, depending on how it was constructed. Positive moisture refers to moisture that enters from the top. It’s caused by rain and other liquids that spill on the concrete surface. Negative moisture refers to water that seeps into the ground. It’s derived from the ground’s natural moisture, which is then covered with concrete.
When wet, concrete surfaces absorb water like sponges. For as long as there’s water available, it will continue to suck it up. Afterward, the water will be dispersed until it reaches a condition of balance.
Water, what does it do to my cement?
Several processes may be triggered by water, which may result in significant harm. Water corrodes the rebar. The concrete gets weakened as a result.
Alkali disintegration is also triggered by water. Concrete’s alkali goes latent throughout the curing process. The alkali in the concrete continues to react with the concrete again when water penetrates it. This ravages concrete from the inside out.
Air quality testing mold inspection near me. Mold has been linked to a wide range of health issues, including cancer. Unlike algae, mildew may cause the concrete to become slippery and discolored, as well as give off an unpleasant stench.
Up to 60% of houses have this kind of issue in their basements. Reselling your house might be harmed, and your house could become a health risk to others who live in it.
To prevent further harm, the moisture must be eliminated.
A concrete sealant is needed to preserve your concrete walls or flooring. Salt, stains, grease, moisture, mildew, and other environmental aggressors are all prevented from destroying concrete surfaces by the use of concrete sealers. Cleaning and sweeping are made simpler because of this layer of protection.
In most cases, one coat of concrete sealant is all that is required to keep your concrete surfaces safe.
Equipment That’s Required
The first step is to gather all of the necessary supplies. To begin, you must put on protective gear since you will be working with substances that might irritate you. Gather a water container and a hard brush. Chemical agents may be avoided with the use of rubber gloves, eyewear, and a small-particle filter. Paintbrushes and rollers are also required. Make sure the area where you want to apply the concrete sealer has enough airflow.
Applicant Steps
Start with a fresh sweep of the carpets and floors. Your surface must be clear of dirt, oil, grease, and other contaminants. The hard scrub brush can aid in the removal of tough stains with ease. To get rid of the filth, use a professional cleaner. It may be necessary to soak stubborn stains in a detergent solution for a while before they are removed. Clearwater should be used to completely rinse the dish. A second application may be necessary. ‘
2. Seal the floor: Test the sealer on a tiny part of the floor before painting it. This will inform you whether the floor is clean enough or if there are still defects that need to be corrected. A blotchy look may be caused by concrete with an uneven density. Use a paint roller with an extension handle to apply the sealant. You may cut in with the brush as you’re working around the perimeter. Work your way out of the region you’re working on by starting at the back corner and working your way in. Apply the sealer to the surface and let it dry. Remove all the puddles by spreading them out evenly and applying a thin, even layer. For the most part, you will only need one coat. Wait for the sealer to dry completely. This is going to take some time.
3. Clean Up: As soon as you’re done, wash your hands with soap and warm water. Please keep in mind the possibly harmful substance you had just handled with! When you’re working on your space, don’t forget about safety. Discard the roller and brushes you used to complete the project, too. Depending on the concrete sealer, you may only need to use these tools once.
